Flights to Thornbury, The Blue Mountains from NT$8,008

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well. Take a peek at these top travel tips that will get your Thornbury vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• 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 leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Thornbury in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.