Flights to Melgar, Tolima from NT$21,089

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips for a pain-free start to your vacation in Melgar.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of your plane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear comfortable clothes and remember to bring a cardigan as the temperature can drop inside the cabin during long-haul flights. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are also a good idea.
• The serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation. Doing foot and leg exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks may also help.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Melgar a breeze. Below are some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.