Flights to Rushden, England from NT$1,952

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Rushden. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, official ID, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some great options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and strong acids, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

The trick is to be well organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Rushden in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your passport and travel documents within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, 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-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.