Flights to Royal Oak, Detroit from NT$5,824

If you're not prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Royal Oak. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Royal Oak in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.