Flights to Regalbuto, Sicily from NT$26,558

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Regalbuto.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer up in natural-fiber clothing and remember to pack a pullover just in case you get chilly. Go for a pair of well-fitting, flat shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your luggage.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. The great news is there are ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, wander around the cabin wherever possible and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Regalbuto in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? 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-lock bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.