Flights to Vals, Tyrol from NT$29,325

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a comfortable start to your time in Vals. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be easy if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and something to read. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your important medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

It's all about being prepared. We've put together some useful tips for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Vals, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, jacket, 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.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.