Flights to Sparks, Reno from NT$5,226

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will get your Sparks vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've put together some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out Sparks, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.