Flights to Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture from NT$2,663

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a worry-free start to your getaway in Ichinoseki. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a pleasure if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good book. Next, find room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Ichinoseki a pleasure. Check out our handy tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product 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-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.