Flights to Te Kauwhata, Waikato from NT$13,925

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Te Kauwhata. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, won't be allowed on board either.

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 go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organized before your flight will make your trip to Te Kauwhata a piece of cake. Below you'll find some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.