Flights to Keningau, Sabah from NT$959

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your vacation in Keningau.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to make yourself as comfortable as you can. Don layers of breathable clothing and don't forget to pack a pullover in case it gets cool. Opt for a pair of flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and hiking boots in your main luggage.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There's lots you can do to reduce your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression socks, stay hydrated and keep your legs and feet moving. Walk the aisles of the cabin or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Keningau in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and passport at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. 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 quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.