Flights to Santa Maria, Davao Region from NT$6,095

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Santa Maria could be completely stress-free or it could drag on forever. We've put together some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you've got all the right gear. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean pair of socks and something to read. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and wear slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Santa Maria easy and painless. We've compiled some handy hints for a stress-free journey through security:

• Have your boarding pass and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you on board.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.