Flights to Bowser, Qualicum Beach from NT$35,563

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. Follow these top travel tips that will help get your Bowser escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume 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 up with comfy clothing and opt 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 clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Bowser a pleasure. Below you'll find some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.