Flights to La Venezia, Monte San Pietro from NT$7,073

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to La Venezia could be completely stress-free or it could drag on forever. Here are some useful hints that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set 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 the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your trip to La Venezia quick and painless. Here are some handy tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume or cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.