Flights to Skien, Telemark from NT$11,391

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a comfortable start to your time in Skien. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul 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 organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Skien in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.