Flights to Canvey Island, England from NT$19,922

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Canvey Island. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fuels, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Canvey Island quick and painless. Below are some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new cologne? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.