Flights to Laohekou, Xiangyang from NT$10,405

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a stress-free start to your getaway in Laohekou.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you take the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Consider your footwear carefully too, as swollen feet can be a side effect of flying. Flat, slightly roomy shoes work well.
• Most of us have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There are plenty of ways to mitigate your risk. Wear a pair of compression socks or tights, drink lots of water and remember to keep your legs and feet moving. Do a lap or two of the cabin or try out some exercises in your seat.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Laohekou in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. 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 in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.