Flights to Hefei, Anhui from NT$6,788

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in Hefei.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight often lies in your choice of clothing. Prepare for temperature changes by bringing layers. That way you'll stay 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 sneakers. Your feet will thank you later.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-distance travel is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help reduce this risk.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Hefei quick and painless. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.