Flights to Shifutou, Qingyuan from NT$8,987

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Shifutou could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. Here are some tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Shifutou a breeze. Read through our useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a 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. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.