Flights to Lhuis, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes from NT$5,158

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Lhuis vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Lhuis in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.