Flights to Xining, Qinghai from NT$9,573

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a pain-free start to your vacation in Xining. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, important documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are always good options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Xining in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.