Flights to Sugar Mountain, Banner Elk from NT$28,723

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Sugar Mountain vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good read. Next, find room in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, any daily medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for an easy trip through security. Watch out Sugar Mountain, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.