Flights to Coton, Cambridge from NT$25,067

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Coton. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a great experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, any vital medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and opt for easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Coton a piece of cake. We've rounded up some useful tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand and nail cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.