Flights to Clarendon Hills, Chicago from NT$5,553

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your getaway in Clarendon Hills. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a pleasure if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good novel. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before your flight will help make your trip to Clarendon Hills a pleasure. Check out our handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• 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 queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.