Flights to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Nouvelle-Aquitaine from NT$16,131

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well. Follow these handy travel tips that will help get your Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Have your passport and travel documents handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in 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 X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• 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 on board and will be confiscated.