Flights to Daram, Eastern Visayas from NT$1,574

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. Follow these handy hints that will help get your Daram escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Daram in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.