Flights to San Blas Islands, Narganá from NT$17,379

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. We've put together a list of handy travel tips that will help get your San Blas Islands vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being organized before your flight will make your getaway to San Blas Islands a breeze. Below are some handy tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.