Flights to Olivette, St. Louis from NT$27,226

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well prepared. Follow these essential travel tips that will help get your Olivette escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a thrilling book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Olivette, here you come:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.