Flights to Brou, Centre-Loire Valley from NT$3,422

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

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans 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 always be your prime concern when deciding what to wear on your flight. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen ankles and feet are quite common. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are always a smart option.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance travel is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression socks and tights are another easy way to help lower your risk.

It's simple — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Brou, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID 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 your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.