Flights to Makanda, Illinois from NT$16,035

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your time in Makanda. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a stress-free experience if you pack the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and something to read. Next, leave space in your bag 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 docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to pull on and off.
• 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 gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Makanda, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.