Flights to North Star, Strawberry Valley from NT$26,800

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in North Star. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be easy if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh change of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to North Star in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. 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 will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.