Cheap Flights to New Zealand from CA $159

We all know those jet-setters who somehow score wonderfully cheap fares whenever they fly. Want to know how to do it for your New Zealand vacation? Don't wait until the last minute to lock in your flight. Another good way to grab the most competitive fare is to shop around. If where you're headed has several airports, be sure to research the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, don't forget that it's first in, best dressed. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and be ready to secure your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The best deals don't last long.

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your vacation in New Zealand. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and opt for shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to New Zealand in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.