Flights to Taos Pueblo, Taos from NT$8,840

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Taos Pueblo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, travel docs, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a phone filled with your favorite movies are good options. If you intend to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Taos Pueblo, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.