Flights to Tortosa, Catalonia from NT$2,444

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a pain-free start to your time in Tortosa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, travel documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to take a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

It's simple — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Tortosa, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often 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 need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.