Flights to Sogawa, Hidakagawa from NT$15,536

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. We've put together a list of handy travel tips that will help get your Sogawa vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a phone filled with your favorite movies are good options. If you hope to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Sogawa quick and painless. Here are some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.