Flights to Durham, New York from NT$27,618

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Durham could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. We've pulled together some handy travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are always good options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Durham a piece of cake. Read through our top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Keep your ID and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually 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.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.