Flights to Rico, Holtville from NT$5,065

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Rico could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and opt for flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being prepared before your flight can make your getaway to Rico easy and painless. Check out our top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.