Flights to Caravaggio, Lombardy from NT$3,157

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your getaway in Caravaggio. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• 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 foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Caravaggio quick and painless. Read through our top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product 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 practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.