Flights to Rolling Meadows, Chicago from NT$5,541

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Rolling Meadows could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right gear. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• 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 lower limbs often.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Rolling Meadows, here you come:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Traveling with a new hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.