Flights to Maringá, Itatiaia from NT$20,287

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Maringá. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Maringá in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Have your passport and travel documents close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.