Flights to Valderice, Sicily from NT$33,495

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pain-free start to your time in Valderice. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and pick shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• The result of prolonged 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 legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Valderice before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove 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 single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.