Flights to Xichuan County, Nanyang from NT$13,384

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your vacation in Xichuan County. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of 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 answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Look out Xichuan County, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.