Flights to Skamania, Stevenson from NT$5,530

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your time in Skamania. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, travel documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are always good options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Skamania in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.