Flights to Thornton, New Hampshire from NT$9,385

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Thornton. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

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 screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Look out Thornton, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring 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 several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.