Flights to Huairou, Beijing from NT$4,036

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Huairou. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, official ID, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are good options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Huairou before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.