Flights to Areatza, Basque Country from NT$9,202

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. We've compiled a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Areatza escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, find room in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Areatza, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.