Flights to Willow Springs, Chicago from NT$8,729

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be speeding through the airport and discovering Willow Springs in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and pick shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Willow Springs, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger 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 several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.