Flights to Cannobio, Piedmont from NT$18,435

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your getaway in Cannobio. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you plan to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and pick shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to slip on and off.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your getaway to Cannobio a piece of cake. We've rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.