Flights to Collelongo, Abruzzo from NT$23,194

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy hints that will help get your Collelongo vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a stress-free experience if you take the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good read. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, your medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, 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 priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Look out Collelongo, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will 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 earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.