Flights to Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture from NT$5,281

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Takahashi. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a good read. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your trip to Takahashi quick and painless. We've compiled some useful tips for a swift journey through security:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, 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-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.