Flights to Khiri Rat Nikhom, Surat Thani Province from NT$1,226

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Khiri Rat Nikhom. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and something to read. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Khiri Rat Nikhom a pleasure. Below are some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.