Flights to Bowie, Maryland from NT$5,342

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your time in Bowie. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Bowie in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your passport and travel documents handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.