Flights to Knysna, Western Cape from NT$44,780

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your vacation in Knysna. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some useful tips for a stress-free trip through security. Look out Knysna, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.