Flights to Pisté, Tinum from NT$22,693

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your vacation in Pisté. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Look out Pisté, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• 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 before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.