Flights to Balintore, Tain from NT$4,073

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Balintore. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Balintore a pleasure. Below you'll find some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.