Flights to Salinas, from NT$6,453

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Salinas. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, important documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

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 avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and pick easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Salinas in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, 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.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take 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-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.