Flights to Maibara, Shiga Prefecture from NT$11,375

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Maibara could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. We've rounded up some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Maibara, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.