Flights to Cotuit, Massachusetts from NT$15,277

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

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are always good options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Cotuit, here you come:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.