Flights to Mahaena, Hitiaa O Te Ra from NT$18,021

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a hassle-free start to your getaway in Mahaena. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and pick flat, easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Mahaena before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, 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. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner 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-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.