Flights to Banana Islands, Sierra Leone from NT$47,774

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

• First of all, put in your passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some great options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and opt for easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Banana Islands before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• 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 item 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-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of 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 on board.