Flights to Damasco, Santa Barbara from NT$51,301

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well organized. Take a peek at these handy travel tips that will help get your Damasco vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, official ID, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you intend to take a short nap, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a few toiletry items to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Damasco a pleasure. Below are some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually 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 inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• 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 luggage. They won't be allowed on board.