Flights to Mazara del Vallo, Sicily from NT$44,782

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Mazara del Vallo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Mazara del Vallo, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.