Flights to Elf, Hayesville from NT$6,573

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've planned ahead. Check out these essential travel tips that will help get your Elf vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Elf in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass close by. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favorite cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.