Flights to Hokota, Ibaraki Prefecture from NT$5,728

If you're not prepared, traveling can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in Hokota.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Layer up in natural-fiber clothing and take a cardigan in case it gets cold in the cabin. Pick well-fitting, flat shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the journey. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your luggage.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. There are plenty of ways to reduce your risk. Wear a quality pair of compression tights or socks, drink lots of water and remember to keep your legs and feet moving. Do a few laps of the cabin or perform exercises in your seat.

Being prepared before your flight can make your trip to Hokota easy and painless. We've rounded up some top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.