Flights to Suzhou, Jiangsu from NT$5,261

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. We've put together a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Suzhou vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, put in your passport, travel docs, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and pick flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Suzhou in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.