Flights to Mataranka, Northern Territory from NT$16,225

If you're not prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a stress-free start to your time in Mataranka. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Go for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Mataranka in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Have your travel documents and passport close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, 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), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.