Flights to Schwandorf, Bavaria from NT$5,969

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these essential travel tips that will help get your Schwandorf escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight often lies in your choice of clothing. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by bringing layers. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will appreciate it.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. The great news is there are ways to significantly reduce your risk of developing it. Keep your fluids up, walk around the cabin as often as possible and wear compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Schwandorf before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with a new perfume? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.