Flights to Lake Como, Pennsylvania from NT$12,715

If you're not prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Lake Como. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be easy if you take the right things. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a good novel. Next, find room in your bag for your phone and charger, your important medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Lake Como in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.