Flights to Half Moon Bay, Canterbury from NT$4,580

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. Follow these essential travel tips that will help get your Half Moon Bay escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you hope to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a few toiletry items to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Half Moon Bay in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner 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.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.