Flights to Merignac, Bordeaux from NT$6,453

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a pleasant start to your time in Merignac. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Opt for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Merignac in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.