Flights to Kawagoe, Mie Prefecture from NT$4,195

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a hassle-free start to your getaway in Kawagoe. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a great experience if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh set of clothes and a good read. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Kawagoe a pleasure. We've compiled some handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.