Flights to Hakodate, Hokkaido Prefecture from NT$3,584

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pain-free start to your getaway in Hakodate.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are always good options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of a plane are no fashion runway. Wear comfortable clothes and remember to bring a sweater as it can get quite cool in the cabin on long-haul flights. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also recommended.
• The serious condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation. Doing foot and leg exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression tights or socks may also help.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Hakodate before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Keep your ID and travel documents easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.