Flights to Shildon, England from NT$4,328

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your vacation in Shildon.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Consider your footwear with care too, as swollen feet and ankles can be a side effect of flying. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy are always a smart option.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There's plenty you can do to lessen your risk. Wear a pair of compression tights or socks, drink lots of water and keep your legs and feet moving. Do a few laps of the cabin or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

The secret is to be prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Shildon in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.