Flights to Hopkinton, Massachusetts from NT$7,455

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips for a pleasant start to your time in Hopkinton. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, find room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Hopkinton in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Keep your travel documents and passport close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Can't travel without your favorite cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can bring it with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.