Flights to San Quirico d'Orcia, Tuscany from NT$9,183

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your getaway in San Quirico d'Orcia. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare 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 of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to San Quirico d'Orcia in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Traveling with a new cologne or perfume? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.