Flights to Pievepelago, Emilia-Romagna from NT$38,879

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Pievepelago. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a great experience if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, any vital medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Look out Pievepelago, here you come:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.