Flights to Santa Lucia, Ilocos Region from NT$23,255

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your vacation in Santa Lucia. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are good options. If you intend to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive at your destination looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

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

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.