Flights to Hazelwood, St. Louis from NT$24,295

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your vacation in Hazelwood. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, travel documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a phone filled with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you hope to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items to ensure you hop off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and pick shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've rounded up some useful tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Hazelwood, here you come:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.