Flights to Vân Nam, Huyện Yên Thành from NT$3,485

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Vân Nam. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a pleasure if you carry the right things. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being organized before your flight can make your getaway to Vân Nam a piece of cake. We've rounded up some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on 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 inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.