Flights to Howard, Colorado from NT$19,176

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a worry-free start to your getaway in Howard. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you carry the right stuff. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, any daily medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and wear closed-toe, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be well organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Howard in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• 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.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.