Flights to Ruiru, Nairobi from NT$16,757

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

• First things first, pack in your passport, important documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The secret is to be organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Ruiru in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be 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 valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.