Flights to Manado, North Sulawesi from NT$13,297

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Manado could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. We've put together some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are good options. If you plan to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and wear easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of 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.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Manado, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.