Flights to Samboan, Central Visayas from NT$1,279

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Samboan. 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, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good read. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Pick a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Samboan in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID close by. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.