Flights to Oyster Pond, Sint Maarten from NT$11,400

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've planned ahead. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will get your Oyster Pond vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you carry the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a good novel. Next, leave space in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, your important medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Oyster Pond in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Have your passport and boarding pass within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.