Flights to Izumo, Shimane Prefecture from NT$6,297

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Izumo could be simple and straightforward or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some handy travel tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Izumo in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport at hand. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.