Flights to Salemi, Sicily from NT$2,722

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Salemi. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Salemi in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually 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 quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.