Flights to North Palm Springs, California from NT$18,423

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to North Palm Springs could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. Below are some useful hints that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to North Palm Springs in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID close by. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.