Flights to Elk Grove Village, Chicago from NT$8,138

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your time in Elk Grove Village. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be easy if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Elk Grove Village in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to airport security. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.