Flights to Barbadas, Galicia from NT$3,255

If you're not prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in Barbadas.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a good read. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of your aircraft are not the best place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and pack a sweater as it can get quite cool in the cabin on long-haul flights. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also a good idea.
• A condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this happening. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression tights or socks may also help.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Barbadas in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.