Flights to Scotland, Hamilton from NT$4,728

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your vacation in Scotland.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer up with loose, natural-fiber clothing and pack a cardigan in case it gets cool. Go for a pair of flat, slightly roomy shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and chunky boots in your luggage.
• The serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation. Doing regular foot and leg exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this happening. Wearing a pair of compression tights or socks is also recommended.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Scotland in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on 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 in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.