Flights to Xinwan, Hangzhou from NT$14,421

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Xinwan. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a sweater in case it gets cold 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 or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Xinwan quick and painless. Below are some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and ID handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.