Flights to Heemskerk, North Holland from NT$4,219

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your vacation in Heemskerk. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you've got all the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and pick flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Heemskerk in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.