Flights to Bangka Island, North Sulawesi from NT$7,977

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. Take a peek at these handy hints that will help get your Bangka Island escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, travel documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Bangka Island in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.