Flights to Mounds View, Minneapolis - St. Paul from NT$16,955

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your vacation in Mounds View. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, put in your passport, official ID, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Mounds View in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you on board.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.