Flights to Barre, Massachusetts from NT$15,099

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your vacation in Barre. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a great experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a good read. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, any medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential 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.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've compiled some helpful hints for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Barre, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.