Flights to Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra from NT$8,887

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. We've made a list of top travel tips that will get your Pematangsiantar vacation started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, put in your passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Don layers of breathable clothing and pack a sweater just in case you get chilly. Pick a pair of flat, slightly roomy shoes as your feet may swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance travel is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs. Compression tights and socks are another great idea to help reduce this risk.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Pematangsiantar before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.