Flights to Ta-hu-pien, Wuxi from NT$9,150

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Ta-hu-pien could be simple and straightforward or it could go on forever. Below are some handy tips that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and pick flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Ta-hu-pien in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Traveling with a new cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• It's also likely that you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.