Flights to Kuala Penyu, Sabah from NT$38,134

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your vacation in Kuala Penyu. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Opt for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Kuala Penyu in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Keep your ID and travel documents close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.