Flights to Shingletown, California from NT$9,421

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Shingletown. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you intend to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• 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.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Shingletown quick and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.