Flights to Ratingen, North Rhine-Westphalia from NT$3,174

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Ratingen.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight often lies in your clothing choices. Prepare for temperature changes by bringing layers. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left for other occasions. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you for it.
• The serious condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation. Walking up and down the aisle and doing foot and leg exercises while seated helps to prevent this happening. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression socks is also recommended.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Ratingen in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.