Flights to Montecarlo, Tuscany from NT$11,900

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well organized. Follow these handy hints that will help get your Montecarlo vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Montecarlo before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.