Flights to Waitangi, Chatham Island from NT$120,764

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips for a hassle-free start to your vacation in Waitangi. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to toss 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 sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and pick shoes that are flat and easy to remove.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Waitangi quick and painless. We've rounded up some handy hints for a stress-free journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new perfume or cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.