Flights to Xishanqiao, Nanjing from NT$5,827

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these essential travel tips that will help get your Xishanqiao escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, leave space in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Pick shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Xishanqiao in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your passport and travel documents close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.