Flights to Charlotte, Iowa from NT$13,183

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Charlotte. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• 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 leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Charlotte easy and painless. We've rounded up some handy tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Keep your travel documents and ID easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.