Flights to Montale, Tuscany from NT$26,730

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

• First things first, pack your passport, travel docs, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are always good options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and pick flat, enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Montale in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.