Flights to Cordes Lakes, Mayer from NT$19,324

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your vacation in Cordes Lakes.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully 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 products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight can be as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets chilly. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your checked suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you for it.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. But the great news is there are ways to reduce your risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, get up and wander the aisles as often as possible and wear compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Cordes Lakes quick and painless. Check out our top tips for a swift journey through security:

• Keep your travel documents and passport easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.