Flights to Ikari, Yurihonjo from NT$6,500

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Ikari could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. Here are some tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

It's easy — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for an easy trip through security. Look out Ikari, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.