Flights to Than Uyên, Lai Chau Province from NT$12,171

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in Than Uyên. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you pack the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean pair of socks and something to read. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Than Uyên, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.