Flights to Arue, Windward Islands from NT$17,448

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your getaway in Arue. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are good options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items so you'll arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and wear closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you reach security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Arue in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.