Flights to Palmarin, Fatick from NT$24,760

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Palmarin. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel 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 trusty pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and opt for closed-toe, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Palmarin in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.