Flights to Kuma, Kumamoto Prefecture from NT$3,165

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips for a pleasant start to your vacation in Kuma. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you pack the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a good book. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and opt for easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Kuma in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.