Flights to Hale, Northern Territory from NT$22,295

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your time in Hale. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good read. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Hale quick and painless. Here are some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, 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), 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 heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.