Flights to Santa Caterina Villarmosa, Sicily from NT$1,877

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints for a stress-free start to your vacation in Santa Caterina Villarmosa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and opt for flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be well organized before you reach security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Santa Caterina Villarmosa in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible 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 additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.