Flights to Cloverdale, Delton from NT$29,958

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints for a comfortable start to your getaway in Cloverdale. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential 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 tights or socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Cloverdale in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.