Flights to Shimohara, Gero from NT$3,833

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. Follow these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Shimohara escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, travel documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll touchdown looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be the goal when choosing what to wear on board. Consider your footwear with care too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are quite common. Flat shoes which are slightly roomy are always a good idea.
• A condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises in your seat helps to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a pair of compression socks or tights is also a wise idea.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for an easy trip through security. Look out Shimohara, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.