Flights to Ko Mai Thon, Phuket Province from NT$2,030

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these top travel tips that will get your Ko Mai Thon escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ko Mai Thon in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.