Flights to Bopa, Mono from NT$46,246

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a stress-free start to your getaway in Bopa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Bopa easy and painless. Below are some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in 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 and will be confiscated.