Flights to Sprytown, Lifton from NT$54,283

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Sprytown. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your legs and feet often.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Sprytown in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.