Flights to Balan, Lyon from NT$3,635

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Balan could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. We've put together some tips that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a phone filled with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll step off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from 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 prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Balan in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them easily accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.