Flights to Belgium, Illinois from NT$5,715

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Belgium could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. Here are some tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are good options. If you hope to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown feeling 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 luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out Belgium, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.