Flights to Haarlem, North Holland from NT$4,621

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your time in Haarlem.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you intend to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of an aircraft are not the place for a fashion parade. Wear comfortable clothes and remember to take a sweater as it can get chilly inside the cabin. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also a wise idea.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance flying is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To prevent this, take every opportunity to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs. Compression tights and socks are another great idea to help reduce this risk.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Haarlem a pleasure. Check out our useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers 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 great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.