Flights to Hojo, Tateyama from NT$5,241

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your getaway in Hojo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Hojo easy and painless. Below you'll find some handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.