Flights to Sun Valley, Idaho from NT$26,120

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Sun Valley. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

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, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Sun Valley in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.