Flights to San Martín, Panamá Province from NT$18,140

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to San Martín could be a breeze or it could go on forever. Here are some tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and fireworks, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and wear flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to San Martín a pleasure. Here are some handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take 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), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.