Flights to Wrightwood, California from NT$17,397

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. We've compiled a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Wrightwood escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and wear flat, slightly roomy 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, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Wrightwood in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.