Flights to Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture from NT$4,362

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Aso could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. Below are some useful travel tips that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, important documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your trip to Aso a piece of cake. Below you'll find some handy hints for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.