Flights to Sant'Agostino, Terre del Reno from NT$8,244

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a trouble-free start to your time in Sant'Agostino. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Sant'Agostino before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Have your travel documents and passport within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring 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.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.