Flights to San Juan Chamula, Chiapas from NT$29,273

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in San Juan Chamula. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good read. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to San Juan Chamula easy and painless. Below you'll find some handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.