Flights to Hakataramea Valley, Canterbury from NT$8,435

If you're not prepared, traveling can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your vacation in Hakataramea Valley. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Hakataramea Valley, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.