Flights to Gatineau, Ottawa from NT$4,850

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in Gatineau.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right stuff. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, find room in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, your important medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of an aircraft are not the best place for a fashion parade. Wear comfortable clothes and remember to take a cardigan as it can get chilly in the cabin. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also recommended.
• Unfortunately, a risk of flying long-haul is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, take every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another easy way to help lower your risk.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some useful tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Gatineau, here you come:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID close by. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.