Flights to Ban Kham, Chatturat from NT$1,903

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Ban Kham.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The goal here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Layer up in natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to pack a pullover just in case you get chilly. Opt for flat, well-fitting shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and chunky boots in your checked baggage.
• Unfortunately, a risk of flying long distances is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are another great idea to help lower your risk.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Ban Kham easy and painless. We've compiled some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often 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.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.