Flights to Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture from NT$5,185

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. Follow these handy tips that will get your Kashiwa vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a thrilling book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put 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 security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Kashiwa in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.