Flights to Maryborough, Queensland from NT$43,051

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Maryborough. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a good read. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Maryborough in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.