Flights to Arrowtown, Otago from NT$4,163

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your getaway in Arrowtown.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight can be as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by bringing layers. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin starts to cool down. Shoes like high heels and sandals are best left for other occasions. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will appreciate it.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. But the good news is there are ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, walk around the cabin as often as you can and wear compression tights or socks.

It's simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Arrowtown, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.