Flights to Bloomington, Nova Scotia from NT$5,015

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Bloomington. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Bloomington easy and painless. We've rounded up some handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne or perfume? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.