Flights to Timaru, Canterbury from NT$10,502

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pleasant start to your time in Timaru. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items so you'll arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be well organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Timaru in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, 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-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.