Flights to Swansea, Massachusetts from NT$24,945

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 hints for a stress-free start to your time in Swansea. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

Being organized before your flight can make your getaway to Swansea a pleasure. Check out our handy hints for a stress-free journey past security:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.