Flights to Holland, Massachusetts from NT$17,645

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy hints that will help get your Holland escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Layer up with loose, natural fibers and bring a cardigan in case it gets cool in the cabin. Always opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes as your feet may swell a little during the journey. Leave the stilettos and chunky boots in your checked luggage.
• The serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation. Doing regular leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks or tights may also help.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Holland in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.