Flights to Ascain, Nouvelle-Aquitaine from NT$11,974

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these essential travel tips that will get your Ascain vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

It's all about being prepared. We've compiled some useful tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Ascain, here you come:

• Have your boarding pass and passport at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.