Flights to Ararua, Northland from NT$44,314

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a hassle-free start to your getaway in Ararua. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Ararua a piece of cake. Read through our handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• 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 the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.