Flights to Bingkor, Keningau from NT$4,315

If you're not prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your time in Bingkor. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Bingkor in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.