Flights to Schertz, San Antonio from NT$19,870

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your vacation in Schertz. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove shoes 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. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Schertz in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.