Flights to Purua, Northland from NT$43,320

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your time in Purua. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a great experience if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Next, find room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and opt for flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Purua a pleasure. Below are some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.