Flights to Rancho Mirage, California from NT$5,243

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Rancho Mirage. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity 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. Opt for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out Rancho Mirage, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.