Flights to Ko Yao, Phang Nga Province from NT$2,024

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a pain-free start to your vacation in Ko Yao. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a great experience if you carry the right gear. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh change of clothes and a good read. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, any medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ko Yao in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.