Flights to Stratford, Montross from NT$12,077

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a hassle-free start to your time in Stratford. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Stratford a breeze. Below you'll find some handy tips for a swift journey through security:

• Keep your travel documents and passport within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.