Flights to California, Missouri from NT$16,190

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your vacation in California. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you plan to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to California in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Traveling with your favorite hand and nail cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.