Flights to Arie-machi, Minamishimabara from NT$2,309

If you're not prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a worry-free start to your getaway in Arie-machi.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a pleasure if you've got all the right gear. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule 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 bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be the goal when deciding what to wear on your flight. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swollen feet and ankles are a common side effect of flying. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are always a sensible way to go.
• The condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking around the cabin and doing regular leg and foot exercises in your seat helps to prevent this happening. Wearing a pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce your risk.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Arie-machi in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.