Flights to Tawala, Panglao from NT$1,589

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey an enjoyable experience. Follow our top tips and you'll be speeding through airport security and having a ball in Tawala before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for flat, closed-toe shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul 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.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through airport security. Look out Tawala, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.