Flights to Kos, South Aegean from NT$48,076

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

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good read. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and poisons, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Kos before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.