Flights to Labenne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine from NT$39,294

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a worry-free start to your vacation in Labenne. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Labenne in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. 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 quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.