Flights to Oak Forest, Chicago from NT$19,512

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Oak Forest could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. Below are some useful tips that will help you start your next great adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take 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 avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

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) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Oak Forest, here you come:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.