Flights to Terrell, Charlotte from NT$9,184

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Terrell. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Terrell in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.