Flights to Holbrook, New York from NT$19,685

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Holbrook. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged 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.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Holbrook in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your ID and travel documents at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.