Flights to Breckenridge, from NT$4,971

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

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Breckenridge in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all 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 usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.