Flights to Kuya, Nonsan from NT$4,288

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've planned ahead. We've made a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Kuya escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Kuya before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.