Flights to Apolima, Manono from NT$19,327

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Apolima. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and wear easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organized before your flight will help make your getaway to Apolima a breeze. Here are some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Have your boarding pass and ID someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you on board.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big 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 luggage. They won't be allowed on board.