Flights to Thakazhi, Kuttanad Taluk from NT$13,928

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Thakazhi. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

Being organized before your flight can make your getaway to Thakazhi easy and painless. We've compiled some handy tips for a swift journey through security:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.