Flights to Chia, Domus de Maria from NT$4,868

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy travel tips that will get your Chia vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Chia in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.