Flights to Ragama, Western Province from NT$13,292

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well organized. We've made a list of handy tips that will get your Ragama escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Pick flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ragama in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.