Flights to Waipu, Northland from NT$39,074

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

• A plane trip can be easy if you've got all the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, your important medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Waipu, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.