Flights to Mount Aspiring National Park, West Coast from NT$4,217

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your vacation in Mount Aspiring National Park. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, 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:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel 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:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before your flight will help make your trip to Mount Aspiring National Park quick and painless. We've rounded up some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.