Flights to Yellowstone, Blanchardville from NT$11,261

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Yellowstone. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be easy if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and something to read. Next, find room in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

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

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Yellowstone in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• 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 baggage.