Flights to Prats de Llucanes, Catalonia from NT$4,295

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your vacation in Prats de Llucanes. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, important documents, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Prats de Llucanes before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with a new hand cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.