Flights to Irving, Dallas from NT$20,376

If you're not prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Irving. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and wear flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance 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 tights or socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out Irving, here you come:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Traveling with a new hand and nail cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.