Flights to Germantown, Maryland from NT$23,506

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Take a peek at these handy hints that will get your Germantown vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fuels, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of an aircraft are not the best place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and remember to bring a sweater as it tends to get cool inside the cabin during longer flights. Enclosed, flat shoes are also a good idea.
• Most travelers are aware of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. There are plenty of ways to mitigate your risk. Wear a quality pair of compression socks, drink plenty of water and move your legs and feet. Wander up and down the aisles of the cabin or perform exercises in your seat.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Germantown, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, 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), zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.