Flights to Slipper Island, Waikato from NT$5,148

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. We've made a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Slipper Island vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you've got all the right gear. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Slipper Island in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.