Flights to Khao Lak, Takua Pa from NT$1,732

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a stress-free start to your time in Khao Lak. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare change of clothes and a good book. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, any medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and pick flat, enclosed footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Khao Lak easy and painless. Check out our useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.