Flights to McLean, Illinois from NT$27,910

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in McLean. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and pick easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and move your legs and feet often.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to McLean easy and painless. We've rounded up some handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring 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-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.