Flights to Kuala Lumpur, from NT$857

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will get your Kuala Lumpur vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and pick shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for an easy trip through security. Look out Kuala Lumpur, here you come:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single 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. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.