Flights to Concepcion, Western Visayas from NT$1,243

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your time in Concepcion. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and opt for shoes that are flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Concepcion in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.