Flights to George Town, Penang from NT$1,061

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in George Town. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a great experience if you carry the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Next, find room in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids 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 temperature by wearing layers, and wear flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's all about being organized. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out George Town, here you come:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.