Flights to Sozopol, from NT$7,853

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a pain-free start to your time in Sozopol. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good read. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your trip to Sozopol quick and painless. Here are some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.