Flights to Meshima, Tonosho from NT$5,156

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your time in Meshima. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a juicy novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Meshima in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Want to bring along your favorite cologne or perfume? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.