Flights to Las Cumbres, Panamá Province from NT$17,463

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've made a list of handy tips that will get your Las Cumbres vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are good options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and choose shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to remove.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

It's all about being prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for an easy trip through security. Watch out Las Cumbres, here you come:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.