Flights to Helensville, Auckland from NT$5,274

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Helensville could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. Here are some handy hints that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you pack the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your electronic devices, chargers, any daily medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy 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.

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

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.