Flights to Pigeon, Michigan from NT$14,148

If you're not prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in Pigeon. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Pigeon before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Have your passport and boarding pass handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned.
• Can't travel without your favorite cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. 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 baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.