Flights to Ürümqi, Xinjiang from NT$8,118

If you're not prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Ürümqi. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a comfortable experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Next, find a spot in your bag for your laptop, a charger, your medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and pick closed-toe, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The trick is to be well organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ürümqi in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• 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 trigger the alarm. Items like your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, 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-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.