Flights to Pienza, Tuscany from NT$25,498

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Pienza could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. We've compiled some useful tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The goal here is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Don layers of natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin. Always go with flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and chunky boots in your luggage.
• Unfortunately, a risk of flying long-haul is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To prevent this, make the most of every opportunity to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs. Compression socks and tights are another simple way to help reduce this risk.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Pienza in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you on board.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.