Flights to Akiyoshi, Mine from NT$5,235

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Akiyoshi could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. Here are some useful hints that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Akiyoshi before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.