Flights to Francofonte, Sicily from NT$3,134

If you're not prepared, traveling can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Francofonte. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are good options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Francofonte in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.