Flights to Dunmow, England from NT$2,283

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Dunmow. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, your medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organized before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Dunmow a piece of cake. We've compiled some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.