Flights to Desertines, Pays de la Loire from NT$30,143

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

• First and foremost, pack your passport, important documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a phone filled with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and opt for easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Desertines in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.