Flights to Cicero, Chicago from NT$6,991

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Cicero. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from 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.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Cicero, here you come:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with a new cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.