Flights to Cerami, Sicily from NT$7,635

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a pain-free start to your getaway in Cerami.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Next, find room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Layer yourself up in natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets cool in the cabin. Pick roomy, flat shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the journey. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your checked luggage.
• A serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation. Walking around the cabin and doing regular leg and foot exercises while seated helps to prevent this from happening. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks also helps reduce the risk.

Being prepared before your flight will make your trip to Cerami a piece of cake. Here are some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.