Flights to Pai, Mae Hong Son Province from NT$2,143

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these essential travel tips that will help get your Pai escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are good options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Pai a breeze. Read through our handy hints for a stress-free journey past security:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.