Flights to Schoinousa, Naxos from NT$27,972

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Schoinousa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Schoinousa easy and painless. We've rounded up some top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.