Flights to Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture from NT$5,095

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Shiogama. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you plan to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Shiogama, here you come:

• Have your ID and travel documents easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner 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.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.