Flights to Tianshui, Gansu from NT$7,075

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Tianshui could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. We've put together some handy hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a great experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols 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:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and opt for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to pull on and off.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've rounded up some top tips for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Tianshui, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.