Flights to Los Andes, Valparaíso from NT$9,135

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in Los Andes. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you intend to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Los Andes before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand cream? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.