Flights to Vars, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur from NT$4,786

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your time in Vars. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance 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 secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Vars before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• 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 suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.