Flights to Montecastelli, Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina from NT$18,449

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your vacation in Montecastelli. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before your flight will make your getaway to Montecastelli a pleasure. Below are some useful tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• 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 be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.