Flights to New Chicago, Drytown from NT$35,684

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a stress-free start to your time in New Chicago. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and matches, are also not allowed.

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, roomy and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to New Chicago before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item 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-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.