Flights to Alcamo, Sicily from NT$4,293

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Alcamo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and opt for flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

It's simple — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for an easy trip through security. Watch out Alcamo, here you come:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.