Flights to Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi from NT$12,214

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a comfortable start to your time in Kotamobagu. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, cash and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and wear flat, closed-toe shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've compiled some top tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Kotamobagu, here you come:

• Have your boarding pass and passport within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.