Flights to Rose, Calabria from NT$40,541

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Rose. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to remove.
• 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 ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Rose in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents close by. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.