Flights to Otsu, Shiga Prefecture from NT$5,019

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. We've put together a list of handy tips that will help get your Otsu vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are some great options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and ready to go.

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 nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being prepared before your flight will help make your getaway to Otsu a piece of cake. Check out our handy tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, 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 such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. 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 inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.