Flights to Birchwood, Southland from NT$3,552

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Birchwood escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare change of clothes and something to read. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being organized before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Birchwood a pleasure. Below you'll find some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.