Flights to West Harrison, New York from NT$28,420

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your time in West Harrison. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and pick closed-toe, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to West Harrison in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.