Flights to Maintenon, Centre-Loire Valley from NT$18,374

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've planned ahead. We've compiled a list of handy travel tips that will help get your Maintenon vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Maintenon in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your ID and travel documents within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.