Flights to Matthews, Charlotte from NT$28,616

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these essential travel tips that will help get your Matthews escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, travel documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are good options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and pick easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be well organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Matthews in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.