Flights to Lawrence, Massachusetts from NT$24,293

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Lawrence could be completely stress-free or it could drag on forever. We've put together some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

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 explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Lawrence in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with a new perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.