Flights to Darjeeling, West Bengal from NT$5,706

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a worry-free start to your time in Darjeeling.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a comfortable experience if you've got all the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a good read. Next, leave space in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is as simple as your choice in clothes. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your suitcase. Instead, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you later.
• It's likely you've heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. There are many ways to mitigate your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression tights or socks, stay well hydrated and move your legs and feet. Do a few laps of the cabin or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

The secret is to be well organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Darjeeling in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Have your travel documents and passport close by. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring 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), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes 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 confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.