Flights to Mahina, Windward Islands from NT$19,965

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Mahina could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. We've pulled together some useful hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. 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:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick slip-on footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater 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.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Mahina in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Have your ID and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually 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-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.