Flights to Independence, Brenham from NT$5,221

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your vacation in Independence.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer up in natural fibers and pack a pullover just in case you get cold. Opt for flat, well-fitting shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy boots in your checked luggage.
• A serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation. Doing regular foot and leg exercises in your seat helps to prevent this occurring. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks can also help.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've put together some top tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Independence, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.