Flights to Kaiapoi, Canterbury from NT$3,312

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a hassle-free start to your getaway in Kaiapoi.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel docs, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you intend to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear comfortable clothes and don't forget to bring a cardigan as it can get chilly inside the cabin on long-haul flights. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are also a wise idea.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There are many ways to lessen your risk. Wear a quality pair of compression socks, drink plenty of water and keep your legs and feet moving. Wander around the cabin or perform exercises in your seat.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your trip to Kaiapoi easy and painless. We've compiled some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.