Flights to Wathurugama, Western Province from NT$6,589

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Wathurugama. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's easy — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out Wathurugama, here you come:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.