Flights to Indianola, Iowa from NT$18,134

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Indianola vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, 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 choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some useful tips for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Indianola, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport close by. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• 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 trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on 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 safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.