Flights to Karon, Phuket Province from NT$2,037

If you're not prepared, traveling can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in Karon.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you bring the right things. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare pair of socks and a magazine or two. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Don layers of natural fibers and pack a sweater in case it gets cool in the cabin. Always go with roomy, flat shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the journey. Leave the high heels and chunky boots in your checked baggage.
• The serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Doing regular leg and foot exercises in your seat helps to prevent this developing. Wearing a good pair of compression socks or tights may also help.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Karon in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.