Flights to St. Martin, Biloxi from NT$28,143

If you're not prepared, traveling can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your time in St. Martin. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and wear flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your lower limbs often.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to St. Martin in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.