Flights to Yao, Osaka from NT$5,237

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Yao could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some useful 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 easy if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential 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 or tights.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Yao, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.