Flights to Oberwiesenthal, Saxony from NT$13,045

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pleasant start to your vacation in Oberwiesenthal. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The secret is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Oberwiesenthal in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.