Flights to Kitakata, Fukushima Prefecture from NT$5,221

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey as stress-free as possible. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be breezing through airport security and exploring Kitakata in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are always good options. If you intend to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Kitakata in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.