Flights to Playa Bagdad, Matamoros from NT$44,576

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Playa Bagdad could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. Below are some tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Playa Bagdad in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually 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 single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.