Flights to Santa Bárbara, Ponta Delgada from NT$16,283

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a worry-free start to your vacation in Santa Bárbara. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any vital medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Santa Bárbara in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.