Flights to Misson, Nouvelle-Aquitaine from NT$4,633

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Misson. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are always good options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

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 liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some useful tips for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Look out Misson, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take 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.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.