Flights to Ida Valley, Otago from NT$27,826

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy travel tips that will get your Ida Valley escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good read. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Opt for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to take a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Ida Valley, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight 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 suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.