Flights to Zixing, Chenzhou from NT$125,465

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're prepared. We've put together a list of handy tips that will get your Zixing escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Zixing easy and painless. Read through our handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• 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 in the cabin.