Flights to Düsseldorf, from NT$18,500

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips for a pain-free start to your getaway in Düsseldorf. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Düsseldorf, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand and nail cream? No 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-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.