Flights to Beppu, Oita Prefecture from NT$6,703

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your vacation in Beppu.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, make room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, your medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of your plane are no fashion runway. Layer up with comfy clothing and remember to take a sweater as it can get chilly inside the cabin on long-haul flights. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also a sensible choice.
• You've probably heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. There are numerous ways to lower your risk. Wear a pair of compression tights or socks, drink lots of water and get your legs and feet moving. Wander around the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Beppu a breeze. We've rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.