Flights to Sotogrande, San Roque from NT$28,524

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will get your Sotogrande escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and wear flat, easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

Being organized before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Sotogrande a piece of cake. We've compiled some handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.