Flights to Malden, Boston from NT$4,050

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your vacation in Malden. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good book. Next, leave space in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, your medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Malden in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.