Flights to Hamilton, Michigan from NT$31,469

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your vacation in Hamilton. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Hamilton easy and painless. Here are some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. 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 in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.