Flights to Nuquí, Chocó from NT$22,961

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Nuquí. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are good options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some top tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Nuquí, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must 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 earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.