Flights to Souda, Chania from NT$17,877

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a worry-free start to your getaway in Souda. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a good novel. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, your medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting 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 to help improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your trip to Souda easy and painless. We've rounded up some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner 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.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.