Flights to Nikolis, Lefkada from NT$9,487

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a worry-free start to your vacation in Nikolis. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure 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:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo 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 objects, like your precious pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be well organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Nikolis in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear 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. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.