Flights to Balsam Lake, Wisconsin from NT$12,568

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Balsam Lake. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, put in your passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity 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 changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and pick flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Balsam Lake in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.