Flights to Van, Llanidloes from NT$34,996

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. We've put together a list of top travel tips that will help get your Van vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, 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 choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and wear flat, easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

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

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Want to bring along your favorite cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.