Flights to Hanover Park, Chicago from NT$6,124

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're prepared. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will get your Hanover Park vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Hanover Park in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take 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.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.