Flights to Sacos, Cerdedo-Cotobade from NT$4,122

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Sacos. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Sacos in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Can't travel without your favorite cologne? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.