Flights to Ascona, Canton of Ticino from NT$26,442

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your getaway in Ascona. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, put in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you intend to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

Being organized before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Ascona a piece of cake. Below you'll find some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.