Flights to Le Valtin, Grand Est from NT$27,850

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Le Valtin. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and wear easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Look out Le Valtin, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.