Flights to Saint-Édouard, Quebec from NT$5,072

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Saint-Édouard. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right stuff. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh change of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for a hassle-free trip through security. Watch out Saint-Édouard, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.