Flights to Gersfeld, Hessen from NT$16,455

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Gersfeld. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right gear. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your important medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your getaway to Gersfeld a breeze. Here are some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.