Flights to Thai Chang, Phang Nga from NT$1,949

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've compiled a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Thai Chang escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are always good options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and wear slightly roomy, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Thai Chang before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand and nail cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.