Flights to Lieto, Southwest Finland from NT$38,178

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Lieto.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be your priority when picking what to wear during your flight. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen feet are a common occurrence. Slightly roomy, flat shoes work well.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this, make the most of every opportunity to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs. Compression tights and socks are also a great idea to help lower your risk.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Lieto in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Traveling with your favorite hand cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.