Flights to Tahoma, California from NT$17,585

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a stress-free start to your getaway in Tahoma. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

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

The trick is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Tahoma before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.