Flights to Lakeland, Michigan from NT$6,175

If you're not prepared, traveling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Lakeland. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your carry-on bag for your electronic devices, chargers, your medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and pick slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Lakeland in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Have your ID and boarding pass handy. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.