Flights to Castle Rock, Denver from NT$27,583

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your time in Castle Rock. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a stress-free experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good book. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, like aerosols 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 main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Castle Rock, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.