Flights to Nong Hua Wua, Phran Kratai from NT$1,894

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Nong Hua Wua. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you carry the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, your important medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Nong Hua Wua in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be 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 asked to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.