Flights to Manila, Arcata from NT$13,168

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Manila could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. Below are some useful travel tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, important documents, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

Being prepared before your flight can make your getaway to Manila quick and painless. Below are some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• 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 easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.