Flights to Sauk Village, Illinois from NT$13,729

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Sauk Village. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, make room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Sauk Village in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.