Flights to Gainesville, Virginia from NT$11,176

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Gainesville. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good read. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and wear flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

Being organized before your flight will make your trip to Gainesville a piece of cake. Below are some top tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you on board.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.