Flights to Shui Hau Tsuen, New Territories from NT$3,429

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a stress-free start to your vacation in Shui Hau Tsuen. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, 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:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and pick closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your trip to Shui Hau Tsuen a breeze. Below are some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.