Flights to Mecosta, Michigan from NT$18,827

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Mecosta.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of your aircraft are not the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and take a sweater as the temperature can drop in the cabin during long-haul flights. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are also a wise idea.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-distance flying is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this, take every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help reduce this risk.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Mecosta, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.