Flights to Petworth, England from NT$20,100

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your vacation in Petworth. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set 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 to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The trick is to be prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Petworth in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.