Flights to Tacheng, Xinjiang from NT$24,413

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Tacheng. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and a good read. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Tacheng in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything 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 have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.