Flights to Panglao, Central Visayas from NT$1,612

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Panglao. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The secret is to be organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Panglao in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Your belt, jacket, 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 as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will need to go through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.