Flights to Descanso, California from NT$4,975

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Descanso could be completely painless or it could go on forever. Here are some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and wear flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Descanso in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, 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 electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.