Flights to Salem, Northville from NT$26,322

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a comfortable start to your time in Salem. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your trip to Salem a piece of cake. Below are some handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.