Flights to Waitangi, Northland from NT$6,034

If you're not prepared, traveling can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Waitangi. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Waitangi, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.