Flights to Chartres, Centre-Loire Valley from NT$3,409

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well organized. We've put together a list of handy travel tips that will get your Chartres escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you take the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, your medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Layer up in breathable clothing and remember to pack a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Opt for a pair of flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and chunky boots in your main luggage.
• The condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Doing foot and leg exercises in your seat helps to prevent this happening. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression socks also helps reduce your risk.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Chartres quick and painless. Read through our top tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.