Flights to Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi Prefecture from NT$4,768

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a pleasant start to your getaway in Yamaguchi.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a good read. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when picking what to wear on board. Consider your footwear with care too, as swollen ankles and feet can be a side effect of flying. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are your best bet.
• Most travelers are aware of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There's lots you can do to minimize your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression tights or socks, drink plenty of water and keep your legs and feet moving. Wander up and down the aisles of the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Yamaguchi a breeze. Check out our handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.