Flights to Cebu City, Central Visayas from NT$1,513

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your getaway in Cebu City. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, like aerosols 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:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Cebu City, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.