Flights to Santa Cruz, Saint Elizabeth from NT$72,711

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips for a comfortable start to your vacation in Santa Cruz.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are good options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no fashion runway. Don comfortable layers and bring a sweater as it can get chilly inside the cabin during long-haul flights. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are also a sensible choice.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There's plenty you can do to reduce your risk. Wear a pair of compression socks, stay well hydrated and remember to keep your legs and feet moving. Walk around the cabin when possible or perform exercises in your seat.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Santa Cruz in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.