Cheap Flights to Oamaru from HK$5,323

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Take a peek at these top travel tips that will help get your Oamaru escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are not the best place for a fashion parade. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and remember to bring a sweater as the temperature can drop in the cabin on long-haul flights. Enclosed, flat shoes are also a sensible choice.
• Most travelers have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There are plenty of ways to minimize your risk. Wear compression socks or tights, stay hydrated and remember to keep your legs and feet moving. Do a lap or two of the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Oamaru, here you come:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. 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 sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.