Cheap Flights to Schiphol from CA $522

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Schiphol. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are some fantastic options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Schiphol in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.