Flights to Steingaden, Bavaria from NT$9,604

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Steingaden. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a stress-free experience if you pack the right things. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find room in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your important medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and pick flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Steingaden in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like 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 separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.