Flights to Oberammergau, Bavaria from NT$6,167

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a comfortable start to your vacation in Oberammergau.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is as simple as your clothing choices. Prepare for temperature changes by bringing layers. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin starts to cool down. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your suitcase. Instead, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will appreciate it.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-haul flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another easy way to help reduce this risk.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Oberammergau before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.