Flights to Chinatown, George Town from NT$869

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips for a pain-free start to your time in Chinatown. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

It's simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Chinatown, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with a new cologne? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.