Flights to St. James, New York from NT$26,518

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in St. James. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you've got all the right things. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The secret is to be well organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to St. James before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.