Flights to Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia from NT$3,518

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pleasant start to your vacation in Dortmund.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, important documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are good options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Don layers of breathable clothing and pack a cardigan in case it gets cool. Opt for a pair of well-fitting, flat shoes as your feet may swell a little during the journey. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your main luggage.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance travel is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are also a great idea to help lower your risk.

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

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. 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 quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.