Flights to Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara from NT$2,101

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Labuan Bajo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

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

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Labuan Bajo quick and painless. We've compiled some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.