Flights to National City, Michigan from NT$14,148

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in National City. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, important documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more 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 your clothing and pick shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out National City, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.