Flights to Silver Lake, Washington from NT$16,420

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your time in Silver Lake. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh set of clothes and a good novel. Next, make room in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any daily medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being organized before you get to the airport will make your trip to Silver Lake quick and painless. Below you'll find some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.