Flights to Assat, Nouvelle-Aquitaine from NT$47,472

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Assat could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Assat in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remember to 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 quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.