Flights to Phuket, Phuket Province from NT$2,037

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these essential travel tips that will get your Phuket vacation started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, official ID, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a phone filled with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Don layers of natural fibers and don't forget to pack a pullover in case you get cold. Pick a pair of well-fitting, flat shoes as your feet may swell during the journey. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your main luggage.
• A condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this happening. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression socks is also a wise idea.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Phuket in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.