Flights to Skokie, Chicago from NT$23,283

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. Follow these essential travel tips that will help get your Skokie escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a pleasure if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, any daily medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and pack a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin. Opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes as your feet may swell a little during the journey. Leave the stilettos and chunky boots in your checked luggage.
• The condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking around the cabin and doing regular leg and foot exercises while seated helps to prevent this occurring. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression tights or socks also helps reduce the risk.

The secret is to be well prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Skokie before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne or perfume? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you on board.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.