Flights to Union Island, Grenadines from NT$20,326

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Union Island. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

It's all about being prepared. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for an easy trip through security. Look out Union Island, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.