Flights to Scalea, Calabria from NT$23,459

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Scalea. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Scalea in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass close by. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually 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 single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.