Flights to Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture from NT$5,151

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Tanabe could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, any medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and wear closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Tanabe in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• 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.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner 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-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.