Flights to Essen, Flemish Region from NT$53,213

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. Check out these handy tips that will help get your Essen escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you take the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to bring a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Essen in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater 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 several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.