Flights to Stretford, Manchester from NT$3,459

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 tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your vacation in Stretford. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, 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:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Stretford before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Keep your passport and travel documents within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.