Flights to St Michaels, Tenterden from NT$2,647

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. We've made a list of handy tips that will help get your St Michaels escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and wear flat, closed-toe shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to St Michaels in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Keep your ID and travel documents handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Traveling with a new cologne? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.