Cheap Flights to Nieuw Amsterdam from HK$3,432

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Nieuw Amsterdam could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. Below are some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh change of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance 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.

The secret is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Nieuw Amsterdam in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the 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 electronics, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.