Flights to Fukaura, Aomori Prefecture from NT$5,258

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Fukaura could be completely stress-free or it could drag on forever. We've compiled some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

Being organized before you get to the airport can make your trip to Fukaura easy and painless. We've compiled some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Have your passport and boarding pass at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.