Flights to Balzac, Calgary from NT$2,110

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a pain-free start to your vacation in Balzac. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a great experience if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find room in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and wear easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Balzac in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.