Flights to San Marcos, Texas from NT$7,285

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in San Marcos. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and something to read. Secondly, make room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out San Marcos, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.