Flights to La Paz, Caraga from NT$2,016

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a worry-free start to your time in La Paz. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, official ID, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some great options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and wear flat, easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your trip to La Paz easy and painless. Below are some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.