Flights to Nemuro, Hokkaido Prefecture from NT$14,291

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

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your lower limbs often.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Nemuro in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, 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 moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.