Flights to Amana, Iowa from NT$31,243

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your vacation in Amana. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, important documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

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 or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from 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.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Amana in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.