Flights to Phonsavan, Xiangkhouang Province from NT$5,572

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a worry-free start to your getaway in Phonsavan. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Phonsavan a breeze. Below you'll find some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close 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 usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.