Flights to Swans Island, Maine from NT$34,787

If you're not prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Swans Island. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and something to read. Secondly, make room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans 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:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Swans Island in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.