Cheap Flights to Wellington from HK$1,385

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Wellington. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a few magazines. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

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 gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Wellington, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.