Flights to Laax, Graubünden from NT$19,409

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well prepared. Follow these handy travel tips that will help get your Laax escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, official ID, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are good options. If you plan to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Laax before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.