Flights to Te Mata, Waikato from NT$19,613

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a hassle-free start to your vacation in Te Mata. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

Being prepared before your flight will help make your trip to Te Mata a piece of cake. We've rounded up some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers 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 precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.