Flights to Maroa, Illinois from NT$36,398

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Maroa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a pleasure if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh change of clothes and a good read. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers 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 the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've compiled some useful tips for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Maroa, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.