Flights to Jinta County, Jiuquan from NT$13,618

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Jinta County. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you bring the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a good read. Next, make room in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, any medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Jinta County quick and painless. We've rounded up some handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.