Flights to Pho Sai Ngam, K. Bung Narang from NT$1,957

If you're not prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your vacation in Pho Sai Ngam. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant 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 liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Pho Sai Ngam in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear 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.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.