Flights to Valga, Galicia from NT$2,598

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a trouble-free start to your vacation in Valga. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and ready to go.

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 nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Opt for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to bring a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Valga in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.