Flights to Hikone, Shiga Prefecture from NT$5,056

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well. Follow these handy tips and tricks that will get your Hikone escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh 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 luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and wear flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Hikone, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets 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 larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.