Flights to Kofu, Tottori Prefecture from NT$5,146

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your time in Kofu. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a stress-free experience if you take the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and opt for flat, slightly roomy footwear like sneakers.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

It's easy — be prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Kofu, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.