Flights to Palmas Altas, Barceloneta from NT$9,049

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Palmas Altas. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Palmas Altas a piece of cake. Check out our handy hints for a stress-free journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.