Flights to Minano, Saitama Prefecture from NT$5,651

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've planned ahead. We've put together a list of handy travel tips that will get your Minano escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be easy if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Minano a piece of cake. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.