Flights to Mela, Corsica from NT$51,224

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight a stress-free experience. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be speeding through airport security and seeing the best of Mela before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Mela in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass handy. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.