Flights to Huerth, Cologne from NT$7,197

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your time in Huerth. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the compartments 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:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to remove.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some useful tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Huerth, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.