Flights to Arbanasi, Veliko Tarnovo from NT$27,825

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're prepared. We've put together a list of handy hints that will get your Arbanasi escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols 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:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your getaway to Arbanasi easy and painless. Here are some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring 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.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.