Flights to Hay on Wye, Hereford from NT$13,345

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a comfortable start to your time in Hay on Wye.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Dress in loose, breathable clothing and pack a cardigan in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Pick a pair of well-fitting, flat shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the journey. Leave the stilettos and heavy boots in your checked luggage.
• Most travelers are aware of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There's plenty you can do to reduce your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression socks, drink lots of water and remember to keep your legs and feet moving. Walk around the cabin when possible or perform exercises in your seat.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Hay on Wye quick and painless. Below you'll find some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with a new hand cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.