Flights to Pachna, Cyprus from NT$6,300

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Pachna. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you carry the right gear. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Pachna in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, 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), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.