Flights to Loretto, Minneapolis - St. Paul from NT$7,060

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in Loretto. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you take the right gear. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean set of clothes and a good book. Next, leave space in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your important medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your trip to Loretto easy and painless. We've compiled some top tips for a swift journey through security:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.