Flights to Bard, Valle d'Aosta from NT$22,607

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these handy tips that will get your Bard vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and pick shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The secret is to be well organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Bard in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Have your boarding pass and ID close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Traveling with a new perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.