Flights to Zhengzhou, Henan from NT$9,138

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Zhengzhou could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. Here are some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good read. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before you get to the airport can make your trip to Zhengzhou quick and painless. Here are some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Keep your passport and travel documents easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring 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.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.