Flights to Portovenere, Liguria from NT$5,388

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Portovenere. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you bring the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

It's all about being organized. We've put together some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Portovenere, here you come:

• Have your ID and travel documents within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• 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). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.