Cheap Flights to Muelheim an der Ruhr from HK$3,112

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. We've compiled a list of handy travel tips that will get your Muelheim an der Ruhr escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Muelheim an der Ruhr in a flash. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.