Flights to Santa Margarita, California from NT$14,826

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've planned ahead. We've made a list of handy hints that will get your Santa Margarita escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a comfortable experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and a good novel. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, your important medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Look out Santa Margarita, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• 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 clear zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.