Flights to Casole d'Elsa, Tuscany from NT$6,607

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your vacation in Casole d'Elsa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good read. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Casole d'Elsa in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.