Flights to Mardakan, Baku from NT$16,550

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Mardakan. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and opt for easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your legs and feet often.

The trick is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Mardakan in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.