Flights to Château-Thierry, Hauts-de-France from NT$8,111

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Château-Thierry. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

It's all about being prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Château-Thierry, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.