Flights to Xanten, North Rhine-Westphalia from NT$5,921

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these top travel tips that will get your Xanten escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Xanten easy and painless. Read through our handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.