Flights to Haad Son, Ko Pha-ngan from NT$8,265

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Haad Son.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, important documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be the goal when selecting what to wear on board. Consider your choice of footwear carefully too, as swollen feet are a common occurrence. Roomy, closed-toed shoes are always a smart option.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance flying is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help minimize this risk.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some useful tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Haad Son, here you come:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually 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 in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.