Flights to Nosara, Guanacaste from NT$23,474

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Nosara. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a pleasure if you carry the right stuff. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a good read. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Nosara, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.