Flights to Escout, Nouvelle-Aquitaine from NT$5,178

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a worry-free start to your getaway in Escout. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Escout before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with a new cologne or perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.