Flights to Bu Pho, Lam Plai Mat from NT$3,425

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in Bu Pho. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Bu Pho in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Traveling with a new hand cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.