Flights to Mount Washington, South Egremont from NT$9,987

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your getaway in Mount Washington. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel docs, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

It's all about being organized. We've put together some useful tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Mount Washington, here you come:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new perfume or cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.