Flights to Dixon, Sacramento from NT$12,175

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Dixon. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any daily medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Dixon in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• 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 your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product 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-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.