Flights to Chalais, Nouvelle-Aquitaine from NT$27,325

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Chalais could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. Below are some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity 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, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's all about being prepared. We've put together some useful tips for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Chalais, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.