Flights to Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture from NT$4,604

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a stress-free start to your vacation in Iwata. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change 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 in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and pick easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The trick is to be well organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Iwata in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.