Flights to Gamla Uppsala, Uppsala from NT$5,255

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Gamla Uppsala could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. Below are some tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• 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 tights or socks.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Gamla Uppsala easy and painless. We've rounded up some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.