Flights to Ashikita, Kumamoto Prefecture from NT$5,216

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Ashikita could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you bring the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer up with loose, natural fibers and don't forget to pack a jacket in case it gets cool. Always go with well-fitting, flat shoes as your feet may swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. But the good news is there are proven ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing it. Stay hydrated, walk around the cabin as much as possible and wear compression tights or socks.

It's all about being organized. We've put together some useful tips for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Ashikita, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass close by. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often 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 inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.