Flights to Varnakas, Xiromero from NT$3,134

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pleasant start to your getaway in Varnakas. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Varnakas in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, 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. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.