Flights to Turpan, Xinjiang from NT$7,109

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Turpan could be completely painless or it could go on forever. We've put together some handy travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are good options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Turpan in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.