Flights to Shizi, Pingtung County from NT$2,531

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Shizi. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a stress-free experience if you take the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Shizi in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.