Flights to Hercules, California from NT$5,028

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a worry-free start to your time in Hercules. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's all about being organized. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Hercules, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.