Flights to Civitella in Val di Chiana, Tuscany from NT$27,217

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your vacation in Civitella in Val di Chiana.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of your airplane are not the place for a fashion parade. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and don't forget to bring a cardigan as it can get quite cool inside the cabin during long-haul flights. Flat, enclosed shoes are also a good choice.
• The condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation. Doing regular leg and foot exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce your risk.

Being organized before you get to the airport can make your trip to Civitella in Val di Chiana quick and painless. Here are some top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Keep your travel documents and ID easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.