Flights to Athens, from NT$3,142

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well. We've put together a list of handy tips that will get your Athens escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, travel docs, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Athens in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, 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-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.