Flights to Poughkeepsie, from NT$19,297

If you're not prepared, traveling can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Poughkeepsie. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and pick shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot 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 improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Poughkeepsie, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.