Flights to Chania, Crete from NT$36,570

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Chania. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Chania in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Traveling with a new cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.