Flights to Arnold, California from NT$7,341

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

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and wear flat, closed-toe footwear like sneakers.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Arnold in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.