Flights to Cercottes, Centre-Loire Valley from NT$22,227

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Cercottes.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of your airplane are no fashion runway. Wear comfortable clothes and remember to take a cardigan as the temperature can drop in the cabin on long-haul flights. Closed-toed, flat shoes are always a good idea too.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression tights and socks are another simple way to help reduce this risk.

Being prepared before your flight will make your getaway to Cercottes a piece of cake. Below are some top tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them 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 easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.