Flights to Piscinas, Sardinia from NT$36,573

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

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you bring the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your important medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Piscinas before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.