Flights to Grado, Friuli Venezia Giulia from NT$26,477

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Grado. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

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 restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Grado easy and painless. Below are some handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.