Flights to Salem, Missouri from NT$19,566

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Salem could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your next great adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a pleasure if you've got all the right stuff. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Salem in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product 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-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.