Flights to Erice, Sicily from NT$2,841

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in Erice.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, find room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, any vital medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be the goal when choosing what to wear during your flight. Consider your footwear with care too, as swollen feet are a common occurrence. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy are your best bet.
• A condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises in your seat helps to prevent this from happening. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression tights or socks also helps reduce the risk.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some tips and tricks for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Erice, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• 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 in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.