Flights to Punakaiki, West Coast from NT$22,721

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your time in Punakaiki. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Punakaiki a pleasure. Below you'll find some handy hints for a stress-free journey through security:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.