Flights to Xinghua, Taizhou from NT$9,877

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Xinghua.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer yourself up in breathable clothing and remember to pack a jacket just in case you get chilly. Always go with flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell during the journey. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your checked luggage.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-distance travel is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this from happening, take every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help minimize this risk.

It's all about being organized. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Xinghua, here you come:

• Keep your passport and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside 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. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.