Flights to Batavia, Illinois from NT$5,488

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be breezing through airport security and having a ball in Batavia in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, bank cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Batavia before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.