Flights to Gilroy, California from NT$5,022

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

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare change of clothes and a good novel. Next, find room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

It's easy — be prepared. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Look out Gilroy, here you come:

• Have your travel documents and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.