Flights to Mele, Shefa from NT$35,827

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Mele could be simple and straightforward or it could drag on forever. Here are some handy hints that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be easy if you've got all the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your getaway to Mele easy and painless. Below are some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.