Flights to Montauroux, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur from NT$2,700

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy hints that will help get your Montauroux vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

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

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Montauroux before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.