Flights to Bellwald, Valais from NT$16,861

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. We've made a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Bellwald escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a stress-free experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a good book. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, your medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Bellwald in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.