Flights to Bilsen, Schleswig-Holstein from NT$5,234

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Bilsen. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a pleasure if you pack the right things. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels 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 during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

Being organized before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Bilsen a piece of cake. We've compiled some useful tips for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.