Flights to Duhamel, Quebec from NT$8,893

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pain-free start to your getaway in Duhamel. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a clean pair of socks and a good read. Secondly, find room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and maybe a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and opt for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Duhamel in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• 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 on board and will be confiscated.