Flights to Shirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture from NT$5,380

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pleasant start to your getaway in Shirakawa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean pair of socks and something to read. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any vital medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are flat and easy to remove.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Look out Shirakawa, here you come:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.