Flights to Zestoa, Basque Country from NT$4,335

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your time in Zestoa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, official ID, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you intend to take a quick nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and wear closed-toe, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Zestoa in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine 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.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.