Flights to Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture from NT$22,276

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips for a pleasant start to your time in Hachinohe. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you've got all the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a good read. Next, make room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's easy — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Hachinohe, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.