Flights to Bula, Bicol from NT$6,209

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a pain-free start to your getaway in Bula.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant 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 hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no fashion runway. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a cardigan as the temperature can drop inside the cabin on long-haul flights. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also a wise idea.
• Unfortunately, a risk of flying long-haul is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another great idea to help minimize this risk.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your getaway to Bula a breeze. Below are some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be inspected by security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item 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-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.