Flights to La Foce, La Spezia from NT$11,423

If you're not prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in La Foce. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and pick shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul 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.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out La Foce, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container 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 valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.