Flights to Loviisa, Uusimaa from NT$7,271

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your vacation in Loviisa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, official ID, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and wear flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Loviisa in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume or cologne? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.