Flights to Soma, Lower River from NT$68,343

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Soma. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a great experience if you pack the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, make room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and wear easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Soma in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.