Flights to Kota Belud, Sabah from NT$2,563

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a comfortable start to your vacation in Kota Belud. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Go for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Kota Belud in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.