Flights to Fort Belvoir, Virginia from NT$9,000

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Fort Belvoir. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you take the right gear. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, your important medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and wear flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be well organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Fort Belvoir in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Keep your passport and travel documents close by. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume? 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 can keep it with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.