Flights to Paris, Arkansas from NT$18,571

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a worry-free start to your getaway in Paris. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, important documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Paris easy and painless. We've compiled some top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, 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), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.