Flights to Knosos, Heraklion from NT$8,900

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these essential travel tips that will help get your Knosos escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and opt for flat, enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Knosos easy and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.