Flights to Shimamoto, Osaka from NT$2,239

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your vacation in Shimamoto. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, important documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are some great options. If you intend to take a quick nap, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Shimamoto in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.