Flights to Strasburg, Virginia from NT$17,090

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Strasburg. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Strasburg a pleasure. Here are some useful tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.