Flights to Apalit, Central Luzon from NT$6,257

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Apalit. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a good book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Apalit, here you come:

• Have your passport and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item 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.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.