Flights to Tanbara, Saijo from NT$5,352

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Tanbara could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. Here are some handy hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel docs, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your legs and feet often.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Tanbara before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.