Flights to Maastricht, Limburg from NT$17,445

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your vacation in Maastricht. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

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

• Have your travel documents and passport within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.