Flights to Bingen, Washington from NT$2,429

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips for a worry-free start to your time in Bingen. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Bingen in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product 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-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.