Flights to Mauchline, Scotland from NT$6,429

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these handy travel tips that will get your Mauchline escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find room in your bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in the bottom 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:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Mauchline in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Have your passport and boarding pass within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.