Flights to Maadhoo, Kaafu Atoll from NT$6,276

If you're not prepared, traveling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Maadhoo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you carry the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Maadhoo in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. 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 in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes 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 usually subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.