Flights to Malta Ridge, Ballston Spa from NT$25,780

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be zooming through the airport and having a blast in Malta Ridge in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Malta Ridge in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually 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 quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.