Flights to Sanibel, Florida from NT$7,616

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

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being organized before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Sanibel a breeze. Below are some top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• 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, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.