Flights to Sarnath, Varanasi from NT$3,288

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Sarnath could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some handy hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you intend to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive at your destination looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

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

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.