Flights to Kolan, Zadar from NT$37,760

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Kolan. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, important documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are always good options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Kolan in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.