Flights to Hodgkins, Chicago from NT$4,297

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your time in Hodgkins. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a comfortable experience if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a magazine or two. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any daily medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Hodgkins quick and painless. Below you'll find some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.