Flights to Winterberg, North Rhine-Westphalia from NT$43,221

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Winterberg. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you intend to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Winterberg in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.