Flights to Winnweiler, Rhineland-Palatinate from NT$17,582

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a stress-free start to your vacation in Winnweiler. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ 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. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and opt for closed-toe, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Winnweiler before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.