Flights to Santa Ana, Alcala la Real from NT$9,462

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Santa Ana. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and pick shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

It's all about being organized. We've put together some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Santa Ana, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.