Flights to Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture from NT$5,074

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Himeji. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Himeji before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Have your boarding pass and ID close by. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.