Flights to Ejin, Alxa from NT$19,549

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your getaway in Ejin. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Ejin quick and painless. We've compiled some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, 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), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.