Flights to Fangshan, Pingtung County from NT$2,883

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

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a juicy novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to take on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Fangshan quick and painless. Here are some handy tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and passport within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.