Flights to Hikkaduwa, Southern Province from NT$8,571

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will get your Hikkaduwa vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, official ID, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Pick shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Hikkaduwa, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.