Flights to Ardfern, Lochgilphead from NT$10,078

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these essential travel tips that will help get your Ardfern escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, travel docs, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

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 nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Go for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport can make your trip to Ardfern a piece of cake. Below are some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.