Flights to Sonora, California from NT$8,263

If you're not prepared, traveling can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your vacation in Sonora.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight often lies in your choice of clothing. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets chilly. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will appreciate it.
• A serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking around the cabin and doing regular foot and leg exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks or tights may also help.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Sonora before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.