Flights to Magdalena, New Mexico from NT$6,184

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a pain-free start to your time in Magdalena. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a great experience if you've got all the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, make room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, your medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Magdalena in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, 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), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.