Flights to Mangawhai, Northland from NT$38,745

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your time in Mangawhai. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you take the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

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 carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat, enclosed 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 inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

It's all about being prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Mangawhai, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.