Flights to Schwalmtal, North Rhine-Westphalia from NT$8,216

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your vacation in Schwalmtal. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you take the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, leave space in your bag for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Schwalmtal, here you come:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.