Flights to Tongzhou, Beijing from NT$3,838

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Tongzhou could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. Here are some tips that will help you start your next great adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are always good options. If you hope to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a few toiletry items to ensure you step 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 airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Tongzhou in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.