Flights to Karon, Phuket Province from NT$1,955

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your time in Karon. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change 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, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Karon, here you come:

• Have your passport and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.