Flights to Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture from NT$5,440

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a comfortable start to your time in Hofu. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare change of clothes and a good book. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organized before your flight will make your getaway to Hofu quick and painless. Below are some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new hand cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's fine to bring with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.