Flights to Sylva, North Carolina from NT$27,514

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Sylva vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you pack the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Sylva in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Keep your travel documents and ID within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.