Flights to Lithia, Florida from NT$16,295

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your vacation in Lithia. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a stress-free experience if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, your medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach 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:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and wear slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The trick is to be well organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Lithia in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Keep your travel documents and ID easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required 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 will need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new hand cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.