Flights to Elma, Washington from NT$5,556

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a stress-free start to your vacation in Elma. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Elma, here you come:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.