Flights to Taupō, Waikato from NT$4,306

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a hassle-free start to your getaway in Taupō. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and pick closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Taupō in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single 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 passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.