Flights to Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia from NT$18,577

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Bochum. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip 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 fresh set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your electronic devices, chargers, any vital medications and maybe a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Bochum quick and painless. Check out our handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.