If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in Owaka.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget 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:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be your prime concern when choosing what to wear during your flight. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swelling of the feet and ankles can be a side effect of flying. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are always a sensible way to go.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There are plenty of ways to lower your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression tights or socks, drink lots of water often and move your legs and feet. Do a few laps of the cabin or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Owaka quick and painless. We've compiled some handy tips for a swift journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must 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 have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.