Flights to Ried-Brig, Valais from NT$26,684

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your vacation in Ried-Brig. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you pack the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, any medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out Ried-Brig, here you come:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.