Flights to Asaka, Saitama Prefecture from NT$5,270

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well organized. We've compiled a list of top travel tips that will get your Asaka vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Asaka, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.