Flights to Horto, South Pelion from NT$51,859

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a pleasant start to your time in Horto. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and matches, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Horto in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Have your ID and travel documents at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. 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-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.