Flights to Ton Pao, Doi Saket from NT$2,121

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these essential travel tips that will get your Ton Pao escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Ton Pao in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item 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-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.