Flights to Yangshuo, Guilin from NT$5,978

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your time in Yangshuo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are good options. If you intend to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy footwear like sneakers.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Yangshuo quick and painless. Below are some useful tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.