Flights to Balmaseda, Basque Country from NT$8,073

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well organized. We've made a list of handy travel tips that will help get your Balmaseda vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure 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:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Balmaseda a pleasure. Below are some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Keep your passport and travel documents close by. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Can't travel without your favorite cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.