Flights to La Mana, Cotopaxi from NT$26,598

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to La Mana could be completely painless or it could go on forever. We've pulled together some handy travel tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your getaway to La Mana a piece of cake. Below are some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.