Flights to Cottonwood, California from NT$9,432

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

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, 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 go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

Being organized before your flight will help make your getaway to Cottonwood a pleasure. We've rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• Be sure to have your passport and travel documents close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, 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 gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often 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 inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.