Flights to Hua Thanon, Koh Samui from NT$8,217

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Hua Thanon. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

It's simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some useful tips for an easy trip through security. Look out Hua Thanon, here you come:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne or perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.