Flights to Pokolbin, New South Wales from NT$12,224

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Pokolbin. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, important documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you hope to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fireworks, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and opt for flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The secret is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Pokolbin in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. 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 inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.