Flights to Nicolosi, Sicily from NT$8,481

If you're not prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your vacation in Nicolosi. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to pop 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 hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged 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 promote better circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Nicolosi in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.