Flights to Ruili, Dehong from NT$5,849

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a comfortable start to your getaway in Ruili. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and something to read. Next, make room in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any daily medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ruili in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.