Flights to Burlington, Washington from NT$48,568

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your getaway in Burlington. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing 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 rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Burlington in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually 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 in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.