Flights to Wirek, Ruda Śląska from NT$29,228

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in Wirek. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Wirek in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Traveling with your favorite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.