Flights to Wijk bij Duurstede, Utrecht from NT$13,465

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a stress-free start to your getaway in Wijk bij Duurstede. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Pick flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Wijk bij Duurstede a breeze. Read through our handy tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.