Flights to Koshi, Kumamoto Prefecture from NT$3,251

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in Koshi.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you pack the right stuff. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, any vital medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray 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 your trusty pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your prime concern when deciding what to wear on your flight. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are a common occurrence. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are your best bet.
• A condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking up and down the aisle and doing foot and leg exercises while seated helps to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a pair of compression socks also helps reduce your risk.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your trip to Koshi a piece of cake. We've rounded up some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, 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 will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.