Flights to Ridge, Maryland from NT$6,165

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. Take a peek at these handy travel tips that will get your Ridge vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted 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:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The trick is to be well organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Ridge in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be inspected by airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a 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 wise idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.