Flights to Excelsior, Minneapolis - St. Paul from NT$5,590

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. We've made a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Excelsior escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a stress-free experience if you take the right gear. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Excelsior in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.