Flights to Balashi, Santa Cruz from NT$10,823

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well organized. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Balashi escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a few magazines. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and wear easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your trip to Balashi a pleasure. Below you'll find some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• Have your travel documents and passport close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.