Flights to River Forest, Chicago from NT$4,416

If you're not prepared, traveling can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in River Forest.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, important documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight can be as simple as your clothing choices. Prepare for changes in temperature by bringing layers. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like high heels and sandals are best left for other occasions. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you later.
• A condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity. Doing leg and foot exercises in your seat helps to prevent this occurring. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks is also a wise idea.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some top tips for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out River Forest, here you come:

• Have your passport and travel documents within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.