Flights to Ville-Saint-Jacques, Île-de-France from NT$3,327

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Ville-Saint-Jacques. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you carry the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and opt for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Ville-Saint-Jacques in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.