Flights to Barka, Muscat from NT$5,269

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Barka. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and wear slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Barka a piece of cake. Below are some handy hints for a stress-free journey through security:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.