Flights to Van, Van Province from NT$38,222

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Van could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. We've compiled some useful hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and wear flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Van in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to have your passport and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.