Flights to Balestrate, Sicily from NT$2,692

If you're not prepared, traveling can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Balestrate. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, 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:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before your flight can make your getaway to Balestrate quick and painless. Here are some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.