Flights to Nagara, Chiba Prefecture from NT$2,354

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Nagara could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. We've pulled together some useful 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 in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a good read. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's all about being prepared. We've pulled together some useful tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Look out Nagara, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner 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 practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.