Flights to Kapas Island, Terengganu from NT$1,632

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your vacation in Kapas Island. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also a wise idea 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, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Kapas Island quick and painless. Below are some handy tips for a swift journey through security:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.