Flights to Hastings, Trent Hills from NT$8,293

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Hastings.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when selecting what to wear during your flight. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen feet can be a side effect of flying. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are always a sensible way to go.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. But the great news is there are ways to significantly reduce your risk of developing it. Keep your fluids up, get up and wander the aisles whenever possible and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

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

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.