Flights to San Luis, San José de Cúcuta from NT$15,720

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well organized. We've made a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your San Luis vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to San Luis in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. 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 inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.