Flights to Staines, England from NT$26,514

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Staines. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and wear flat, easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Staines in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand 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 inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.