Flights to Cleveland, Nova Scotia from NT$40,128

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Cleveland. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul 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.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Cleveland quick and painless. We've compiled some useful tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with a new cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.