Flights to Takamori, Kumamoto Prefecture from NT$5,590

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Takamori could be simple and straightforward or it could go on forever. Below are some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, 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:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and pick easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for an easy trip through security. Watch out Takamori, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.