Flights to Paterno, Sicily from NT$8,074

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Paterno could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Paterno quick and painless. Here are some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.