Flights to Balabag, Boracay Island from NT$962

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Balabag vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, 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 an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before your flight can make your trip to Balabag a breeze. Below are some handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.