Flights to Kuttikkanam, Peermade from NT$2,764

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a hassle-free start to your vacation in Kuttikkanam. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you intend to take a quick snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and pick flat, closed-toe shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your trip to Kuttikkanam quick and painless. Read through our handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.