Flights to Licata, Sicily from NT$8,362

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Licata. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and opt for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Licata in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new hand cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.