Flights to Shimo-ihira, Sarabetsu from NT$11,922

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well. We've put together a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Shimo-ihira vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Shimo-ihira a piece of cake. We've compiled some top tips for a swift journey through security:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.