Flights to Stavern, Larvik from NT$17,937

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Stavern. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare change of clothes and a good book. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and opt for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Stavern in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.