Flights to Ziyang, Sichuan from NT$5,895

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Ziyang. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a clean pair of socks and a good read. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, 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 changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and wear flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Ziyang a breeze. Check out our handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), 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 usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.