Flights to Pulau Lembeh, North Sulawesi from NT$12,010

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Pulau Lembeh could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. We've compiled some useful tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of a plane are not the best place for a fashion parade. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and remember to bring a cardigan as the temperature can drop inside the cabin. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are also a wise idea.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help reduce this risk.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Pulau Lembeh, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.