Flights to Alonissos, Thessaly from NT$54,404

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Alonissos could be completely painless or it could go on forever. We've compiled some handy hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing 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 knife or scissors) lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Pick a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Alonissos in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take 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.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.