Flights to Damascus, Oregon from NT$3,429

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well organized. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will get your Damascus vacation started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be easy if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and take a cardigan just in case you get cold. Pick a pair of roomy, flat shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your main luggage.
• Most travelers have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There's plenty you can do to reduce your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression tights or socks, stay well hydrated and move your legs and feet. Do a few laps of the cabin or try out some simple stretches in your seat.

Being organized before your flight will help make your trip to Damascus quick and painless. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.