Flights to Long Palai, Miri from NT$1,295

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your time in Long Palai. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• 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 tights or socks.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Long Palai a breeze. We've rounded up some useful tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.