Flights to Esh, Durham from NT$4,670

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your time in Esh. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

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

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Esh before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often 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 quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.