Flights to Lauco, Friuli Venezia Giulia from NT$7,163

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Lauco. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember 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 results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Lauco in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.