Flights to Biscarrosse, Nouvelle-Aquitaine from NT$3,212

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your getaway in Biscarrosse. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

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

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your getaway to Biscarrosse easy and painless. Below you'll find some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.