Flights to Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla, Puerto Barrios from NT$4,313

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a pain-free start to your getaway in Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight can be as simple as your clothing choices. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your checked suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you later.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-haul flights is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this, take every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help lower your risk.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your trip to Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla easy and painless. Below are some handy tips for a swift journey through security:

• Keep your travel documents and passport handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.