Flights to Mata de Cana, Arenal from NT$19,005

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Mata de Cana could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. We've rounded up some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Consider your footwear choice with care too, as swollen ankles and feet are a common side effect of flying. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy are always a smart option.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-haul flights is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To prevent this, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are another simple way to help reduce this risk.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Mata de Cana in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items 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 gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned.
• Traveling with a new perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on.
• There's a chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.