Flights to Manteo, from NT$34,276

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Manteo escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you carry the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and something to read. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and wear closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended 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 promote better circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Manteo in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Traveling with a new hand cream? Not a 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 can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.