Flights to Kampung Salang, Kangar from NT$1,985

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Kampung Salang. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Kampung Salang in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.