Flights to Elounda, Agios Nikolaos from NT$9,034

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your vacation in Elounda. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Elounda a piece of cake. We've compiled some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Traveling with a new perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.