Cheap Flights to Erkelenz from HK$3,873

If you're not prepared, travelling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a pain-free start to your holiday in Erkelenz. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you've got all the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Erkelenz, here you come:

• Have your boarding pass and ID handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.