Flights to Douma, North Governorate from NT$34,865

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Douma.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fireworks, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The goal here is to make yourself as comfortable as you can. Layer yourself up in natural-fiber clothing and pack a cardigan just in case you get cold. Always go with flat, well-fitting shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the journey. Leave the high heels and chunky boots in your luggage.
• Unfortunately, one risk of flying long distances is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To avoid this, take every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression tights and socks are another simple way to help minimize this risk.

The trick is to be well organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Douma in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.