Flights to Duarte, Los Angeles from NT$19,009

If you're not prepared, traveling can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in Duarte. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be well organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Duarte in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.