Flights to Gretna, Manitoba from NT$6,451

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Gretna. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are always good options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and opt for flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Gretna before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.