Flights to Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal from NT$37,785

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Hillcrest escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are good options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Hillcrest, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.