Flights to Jerzmanowice, Kraków from NT$29,172

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a pain-free start to your vacation in Jerzmanowice. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Opt for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your feet and legs moving.

The secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Jerzmanowice in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.