Flights to San Cristóbal, San José from NT$13,534

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to San Cristóbal could be completely stress-free or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some useful hints that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and go for shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to San Cristóbal easy and painless. Below you'll find some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container 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 a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.