Flights to Kao Laem, Chai Badan from NT$3,262

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Kao Laem. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being prepared before you get to the airport can make your trip to Kao Laem easy and painless. Here are some top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Have your ID and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.