Flights to Pablo, Montana from NT$28,990

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Pablo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a phone filled with your favorite movies are always good options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll step off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Pablo in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Keep your travel documents and ID someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.