Flights to Lukang, Changhua County from NT$2,045

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pleasant start to your vacation in Lukang. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Lukang before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.