Flights to Xu Pau, Ha Long from NT$3,188

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Xu Pau could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you carry the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a good book. Next, find room in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and pick easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged 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.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Xu Pau in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.