Flights to Alicante, from NT$5,809

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well prepared. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will get your Alicante vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any vital medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

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

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.