Flights to Anuradhapura, North Central Province from NT$8,571

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Anuradhapura. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be easy if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and choose shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Anuradhapura in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.