Flights to Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture from NT$5,997

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Ashikaga. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Ashikaga in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Have your boarding pass and ID easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single 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 passing through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.