Flights to Thạch Bàn, Thach Ha from NT$9,688

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well prepared. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Thạch Bàn vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Thạch Bàn in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your ID and travel documents close by. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.