Flights to Blue Hills, Bloomfield from NT$7,487

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're prepared. Follow these handy travel tips that will help get your Blue Hills vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans 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:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Blue Hills, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.