Flights to Dongtai, Yancheng from NT$8,296

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Dongtai escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Dongtai in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.