Flights to Santa Lucía, San José from NT$13,270

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Santa Lucía. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Santa Lucía before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, 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-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.