Flights to Potomac, Maryland from NT$6,093

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your vacation in Potomac.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you carry the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any daily medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of your airplane are no fashion runway. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and remember to bring a cardigan as it can get chilly in the cabin. Enclosed, flat shoes are always a good choice too.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. The great news is there are proven ways to significantly reduce your risk of developing it. Stay hydrated, walk around the cabin as often as possible and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Potomac easy and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Have your boarding pass and ID at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.