Flights to Andasibe, Alaotra Mangoro from NT$24,200

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Check out these handy tips that will help get your Andasibe vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a great experience if you bring the right gear. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Andasibe easy and painless. Below you'll find some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.