Flights to Zunyi, Guizhou from NT$4,100

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your time in Zunyi. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Zunyi in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product 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.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.