Flights to Mentor, Cleveland from NT$14,536

If you're not prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your vacation in Mentor. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, travel documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Mentor in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.