Cheap Flights to Alkmaar from HK$294

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Alkmaar could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. We've pulled together some handy hints that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

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 or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Alkmaar in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Have your ID and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you 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 electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually 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 inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.