Flights to Melgar, Tolima from NT$55,073

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Melgar could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. We've put together some tips that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

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

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Melgar in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Can't travel without your favorite cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.