Flights to Finale Ligure, Liguria from NT$35,423

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Finale Ligure. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Finale Ligure in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new cologne? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.