Flights to Taitung, from NT$4,882

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Taitung. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a juicy novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Taitung a breeze. We've rounded up some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.