Flights to Eureka, St. Louis from NT$9,213

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

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, official ID, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some great options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you hop off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organized before your flight will help make your getaway to Eureka easy and painless. Here are some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.