Flights to Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture from NT$5,293

If you're not prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Utsunomiya. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like a pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Utsunomiya in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Have your travel documents and ID within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.