Flights to Prague, from NT$4,711

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your vacation in Prague. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, important documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items so you'll step off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and poisons, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Opt for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

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

• Keep your passport and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.