Flights to Thompson, Hartford from NT$18,139

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your getaway in Thompson. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, make room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Thompson in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• 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 baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.