Flights to Gava, Barcelona from NT$14,723

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your vacation in Gava. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be organized before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Gava in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with your favorite hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.