Flights to Pantai Tengah, Langkawi from NT$1,238

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a pleasant start to your getaway in Pantai Tengah. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find room in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any daily medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and wear flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Pantai Tengah in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.