Flights to Stroud, England from NT$3,920

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Stroud. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any vital medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and pick flat, closed-toe shoes like slip-ons.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've put together some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Look out Stroud, here you come:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.