Flights to Pluak Daeng, Pattaya from NT$1,349

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pleasant start to your vacation in Pluak Daeng. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, official ID, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are always good options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and wear slightly roomy, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Pluak Daeng a piece of cake. Below are some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.