Flights to Santa Marina Salina, Sicily from NT$34,445

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pleasant start to your vacation in Santa Marina Salina. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a magazine or two. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and opt for flat, enclosed footwear like slip-ons.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Santa Marina Salina in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.