Flights to South China, Maine from NT$22,825

If you're not prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in South China. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a pleasure if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to remove.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to South China in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Keep your travel documents and ID within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, 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-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.