Flights to Eureka, California from NT$16,520

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a hassle-free start to your vacation in Eureka. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and wear easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

Being prepared before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Eureka easy and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Traveling with your favorite hand and nail cream? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you on board.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.