Flights to Cottonwood Cove, Searchlight from NT$2,395

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Cottonwood Cove. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Secondly, make room in your bag for your phone and charger, your important medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and opt for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Cottonwood Cove easy and painless. Here are some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.