Flights to Sleepy Eye, Minnesota from NT$5,783

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Sleepy Eye.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a pleasure if you pack the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh change of clothes and something to read. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, your important medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo 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 a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Consider your footwear choice with care too, as swollen feet and ankles are quite common. Roomy, closed-toed shoes work well.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. But the good news is there are proven ways to lower your risk of developing it. Stay well hydrated, wander around the cabin wherever possible and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Sleepy Eye in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Traveling with your favorite hand cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you on board.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.