Flights to Maidstone, England from NT$19,056

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've planned ahead. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will get your Maidstone escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The answer to a comfortable flight often lies in the clothes you wear. Prepare for changes in temperature by bringing layers. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like high heels and sandals are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you for it.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance travel is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, take every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another easy way to help reduce this risk.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Maidstone before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.