Flights to Almond, North Carolina from NT$16,150

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these handy hints that will help get your Almond escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you take the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and fireworks, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The trick is to be well organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Almond in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.