Flights to Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture from NT$18,663

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Hirosaki. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you bring the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, any medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and strong acids, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Hirosaki a piece of cake. We've compiled some useful tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner 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-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.