Flights to Santa Maria al Bagno, Nardò from NT$29,682

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your getaway in Santa Maria al Bagno. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Santa Maria al Bagno, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.