Flights to Muthalamada, Chittur from NT$2,673

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your getaway in Muthalamada. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

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 liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Muthalamada a pleasure. We've compiled some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually 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 in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• 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 suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.