Flights to McLean, Virginia from NT$12,009

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well prepared. We've put together a list of essential travel tips that will help get your McLean vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you carry the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your bag for your phone and charger, your important medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and opt for easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's easy — be prepared. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out McLean, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.