Flights to Indian Shores, St. Petersburg - Clearwater from NT$6,966

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your getaway in Indian Shores. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a good book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be well organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Indian Shores before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.