Flights to Haswell Plough, Durham from NT$37,026

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. We've put together a list of handy tips that will help get your Haswell Plough escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and wear flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Haswell Plough a pleasure. Check out our useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• 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). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.