Flights to Haad Yao, Ko Pha-ngan from NT$6,640

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Haad Yao.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a stress-free experience if you've got all the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Layer yourself up in natural-fiber clothing and take a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes as your feet may swell during the journey. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance flying is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, take every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are another simple way to help reduce this risk.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Haad Yao in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, 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), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good 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 suitcase.