Flights to Nanjing, from NT$5,065

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your time in Nanjing.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The answer to a comfortable flight can be as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare for temperature changes by bringing layers. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left for other occasions. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will appreciate it.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. The good news is there are ways to significantly reduce your risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, wander through the cabin as much as you can and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some useful tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Nanjing, here you come:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, 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), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.