Flights to Ristolas, Abriès-Ristolas from NT$28,401

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Ristolas. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The trick is to be organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Ristolas in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.