Flights to Fiumelatte, Varenna from NT$16,714

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Fiumelatte could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels 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 choose shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Fiumelatte in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, 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, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close 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 bulky shoes are often subjected to extra 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 in the cabin.