Flights to Wilmette, Chicago from NT$12,056

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Wilmette could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. We've compiled some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and opt for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for an easy trip through security. Look out Wilmette, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.