Flights to Palazzago, Lombardy from NT$4,517

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Palazzago. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a thrilling book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Palazzago before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.