Flights to St. Catharines, from NT$8,004

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a worry-free start to your getaway in St. Catharines. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some useful tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out St. Catharines, here you come:

• Have your boarding pass and ID at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.