Flights to Howser, British Columbia from NT$48,444

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Howser. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, important documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you hope to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity 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 cabin temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

It's all about being prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for an easy trip through security. Watch out Howser, here you come:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.