Flights to Guanxi, Hsinchu County from NT$4,220

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a stress-free start to your getaway in Guanxi. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Guanxi, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.