Flights to Santa Monica, Caraga from NT$2,349

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a worry-free start to your getaway in Santa Monica. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be well prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Santa Monica in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Keep your passport and travel documents within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great 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 extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.