Flights to Ao, Himi from NT$12,309

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your time in Ao. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Opt for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your trip to Ao easy and painless. Read through our handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.