Flights to Shaxi, Dali from NT$8,968

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these handy hints that will help get your Shaxi vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you take the right stuff. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Next, leave space in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Shaxi in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.