Flights to Darwin River, Northern Territory from NT$9,186

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Darwin River could be completely painless or it could go on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Opt for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Darwin River, here you come:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.