Flights to Brookdale, California from NT$3,220

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a hassle-free start to your time in Brookdale. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Brookdale quick and painless. Check out our handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.