Flights to Northampton, Massachusetts from NT$6,786

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Northampton could be completely painless or it could go on forever. Here are some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of an aircraft are not the best place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and remember to take a cardigan as it can get chilly inside the cabin on long-haul flights. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are also a wise idea.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-haul flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs. Compression tights and socks are also a great idea to help reduce this risk.

The trick is to be organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Northampton in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.