Flights to Chemainus, British Columbia from NT$21,228

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your time in Chemainus. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a good read. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Chemainus a pleasure. Here are some useful tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.