Flights to Lasa, Cyprus from NT$29,458

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Lasa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and opt for flat, slightly roomy footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Lasa easy and painless. Here are some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.