Flights to Fontvieille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur from NT$4,365

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Fontvieille. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are always good options. If you plan to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and wear flat, enclosed footwear like slip-ons.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

It's all about being organized. We've pulled together some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Fontvieille, here you come:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take 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-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.