Flights to Smith Island, Maryland from NT$4,015

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Smith Island could be a breeze or it could go on forever. Below are some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, travel docs, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are good options. If you plan to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Smith Island in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.