Flights to Xiangtan, Hunan from NT$5,911

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Xiangtan could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. We've put together some useful tips that will help you start your next great adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good read. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your getaway to Xiangtan a breeze. Below you'll find some top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Have your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.