Flights to Te Hihi, Auckland from NT$9,068

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your vacation in Te Hihi. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more 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. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Te Hihi in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices 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.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.