Flights to Ychoux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine from NT$7,152

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Ychoux. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and wear flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Ychoux in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favorite cologne? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.