Flights to Santa Maria, Federal District from NT$5,691

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Check out these handy tips that will help get your Santa Maria vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned 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:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

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 Maria before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.