Flights to Nậm Khiếu, Dai Tu from NT$3,188

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your time in Nậm Khiếu. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Nậm Khiếu in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new cologne or perfume? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.