Flights to Northampton, England from NT$2,464

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

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Go for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The trick is to be organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Northampton in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in 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 in the cabin.