Flights to North Beach, Maryland from NT$5,770

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your vacation in North Beach.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a comfortable experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean set of clothes and a good book. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, your medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight can be as simple as your choice of clothes. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your checked suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you later.
• A condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this happening. Wearing a pair of compression socks also helps reduce the risk.

The secret is to be well organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to North Beach in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.