Flights to Soma, Fukushima Prefecture from NT$5,221

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Soma could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. We've rounded up some handy tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you take the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and something to read. Next, make room in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and wear closed-toe, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Soma in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.