Flights to Nishinomiya, Kobe from NT$2,273

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Nishinomiya escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh 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) hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels 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 changes in temperature by wearing layers, and opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Nishinomiya in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Have your travel documents and passport easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.