Flights to Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles from NT$4,131

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Hermosa Beach could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. Here are some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a magazine or two. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is often as simple as your clothing choices. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will appreciate it.
• Unfortunately, one risk of flying long-haul is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this from happening, take every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression tights and socks are another great idea to help lower your risk.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for an easy trip through security. Watch out Hermosa Beach, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.